Nitro Funny Cars showcased in Byron Dragway’s Summer Thunder Aug. 11

BYRON, Ill. — A high-powered Nitro Funny Car showdown will highlight a day of family fun at the Fourth Annual Summer Thunder event Sunday, Aug. 11, at Byron Dragway in Byron, Ill.

Anthony Bronge’s record-setting The Punisher will face Barrie Young’s Down Under Thunder in their ground-pounding match race. Bronge shattered the dragway’s track record in the 1969 Camaro with an amazing 5.92-second quarter-mile pass at 239.74 mph in 2010.

“These Funny Cars will be incredible, putting out more than 10,000 horsepower from their nitro-burning motors,” said B.J. Vangsness, track owner.

Another match race will feature Brian Hicks in his 6-second, twin-turbo, 3,000-horse Challenger against “Mad Mark” Krupa in a blown front-engine dragster.

The day’s action also will include the 6-second Chicago Wise Guys, 6-second Midwest Top Sportsmen and Midwest Super Stock Mafia.

In addition, professional wheelstander Richard Hutchins will thrill the crowd with his wildly popular Chevy Rebellion.

Admission is $25 for adult pit passes and $5 for children ages 6-12. Free admission for children younger than 6.

Gates open at 9 a.m. with qualifying from 10 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Eliminations and the main event is set for 1 p.m. at the track, 7287 River Road, Byron.

For more information, check the website byrondragway.com or call (815) 234-8405 (track) or (815) 391-0000 (office).